Phil Neville and Everton expected to part ways at the end of the season

Phil Neville will leave Everton at the end of the season after eight years with the club.

The defender, 36, released a statement confirming his intention to leave the Toffees but insisted he would continue his playing career elsewhere.

"It's been an honour to play for and captain Everton Football Club," he said in a statement made available to Press Association Sport.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed my time on Merseyside and will leave with immense pride. I would like to thank the manager, chairman, all of the staff and the players at Everton for their continued support during my time at the club.

"I'd also like to pay a special thanks to the fans, who have been amazing over the past eight years and Everton will always have a place in my heart.

"I want to continue to play at the top level as long as I physically can, and will be weighing up my options before making a decision on my next move. I'll now be doing everything I can to help Everton finish as high up the league table as possible."

Neville will work as part of Stuart Pearce's England Under-21s backroom staff this summer at the European Championship in Israel.

Neville won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups and the European Cup with Manchester United before moving to Everton in August 2005. He has won 59 senior caps for his country and became captain at Goodison Park when David Weir left the club in January 2007.

Neville was an exceptional cricketer as well as a talented footballer, having broken batting records set by Michael Atherton during his time as a youngster at Lancashire. He joined United as a trainee in 1993 and made his debut for them in January 1995.

Neville has always been noted for his versatility, and can operate at full-back or in midfield.